Rarely does a Saturday go by that’s devoid of Proven Thoroughbreds’ runners. And on Magic Millions weekend no less!
Such is the case for the 2025 major Millions race day, so it was very satisfying to record a double on the meeting’s eve, both prepared by Joe Pride.
They may have only been in humble Class 1 & Maiden fields at Newcastle and Orange respectively but were winners nonetheless, boosting our tally to three since January 1.
Joe’s patience was to the fore with the lightly raced 4yo OTONO who saluted at starter number three over 1400m at Orange, a track not frequently patronised by the Pride stable.
Relishing a distance increase to 1400m and the application of blinkers, the daughter of THE AUTUMN SUN was given a charmed ride by James Innes Jr before finishing strongly to stamp her authority on the race.
Otono powers home to take out Race 2 at Orange!@InnesJnr @PrideRacing @ProvenTbreds pic.twitter.com/8Gk4NkDCx0
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) January 10, 2025
The mare had run 2nd on debut at Canberra on the Synthetic surface back in the winter prior to resuming with a solid 5th at Newcastle-Beaumont 3 weeks ago.
Meantime, up at Newcastle Kiwi import ELLE HUDSON was far superior to his rivals, revealing some staying promise with a purposeful finish under hard riding from Alysha Collett.
“He was in a good position and what I liked was the way he put them away late,” said Collett after guiding the TARZINO gelding to a 2.46 length victory.
“He’s going to definitely get further and it’ll switch him on a little more too.”
A nice ride by @AlyshaCollett sees Elle Hudson power to victory in Race 4 at Newcastle 🏇 @PrideRacing @ProvenTbreds pic.twitter.com/XCzcCm2OhB
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) January 10, 2025
Joe had meticulously prepared the 4yo for his first crack at 1900m by giving him a trio of lead up runs, gradually increasing his distances from an encouraging first-up run over 1250m at Canterbury.
“I like the horse and his form has gradually improved as we have stretched him out in trip,” Pride revealed.
The Friday double was compensation for a rare Saturday on the sidelines following a busy week at the Magic Millions Sale to launch the 2025 Sales’ Season. See details of our 10 purchases, including a pair for the Pride stable…HERE.